Stephen Ireland ready to play for the Republic of Ireland once more after six years in exile

Available: Stephen Ireland wants to make a comeback for the Republic of Ireland

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Stephen Ireland is ready to play for the Republic of Ireland - six years after last pulling on the green jersey.

The Stoke midfielder , 27, has been in international exile since 2007 after he became embroiled in the infamous "Grannygate" scandal.

He had been given compassionate leave for the death of his grandmother but there was one problem - she was not dead.

He later told how he had used the story to cover up his girlfriend's miscarriage and that the confusion over what actually happened left him cornered.

Ireland hasn’t played for the Republic since but he is now making himself available for selection ­following the appointment of his former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane this week.

The former Manchester City player told the Daily Star: "I've started four games and I want to make sure I start the next 10 or 15, but at the back of my mind is Ireland.

"I would like to get together with ­Martin or Roy and have a chat.

"Euro qualifying doesn't start until next September and so I have some time to think about that.

"They are two great men who are very determined and have achieved a lot in their own ­career.

"Roy Keane is an absolute legend in football and Martin O'Neill has done well wherever he has gone.

"I think football in Ireland is going in the right ­direction because there's a lot of good players."